LOS ANGELES (AP):

Grey's Anatomy, the ABC hit show whose lead actor was criticised for using an anti-gay slur, was awarded outstanding individual episode by an organisation that monitors depiction of gays and lesbians in the media.

The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) awarded Grey's Anatomy on Saturday for the episode Where the Boys Are.

The show got unwanted attention last year when actor Isaiah Washington used a slur to talk about a castmate in an on-set dustup. He later apologised and sought counselling.

Little Miss Sunshine won outstanding film in the wide release category, while Ugly Betty won for outstanding television comedy series and Brothers & Sisters took home the outstanding drama series award.

Outstanding newspaper

La Opinion newspaper was awarded outstanding Spanish-language newspaper for overall coverage.

The Vanguard Award went to actress Jennifer Aniston for her efforts to increase visibility and understanding of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

Tennis great Martina Navratilova was given the Stephen F. Kolzak Award, in honour of the late casting director who fought homophobia in the entertainment industry.

The 18th annual GLAAD Media Awards, consisting of 42 categories, are split into four ceremonies, held in Los Angeles, New York, Miami and San Francisco in March, April and May.

The awards "recognise and honour mainstream media for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender ... community and the issues that affect their lives."